2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC price and features: Electric SUV lowers cost of entry with new variant to better rival BMW iX3

Mercedes-Benz Australia has doubled the size of its first all-electric model’s line-up, with the EQC now available to order in a new entry-level variant, which makes the mid-size SUV considerably more affordable.

Named EQC400, the new entry-level variant is not to be confused with the EQC’s carryover flagship, which is now called EQC400 Sport. The former is priced from $124,300 plus on-road costs, while the latter is now $100 cheaper, at $141,300.

As a result, the EQC is now more competitive with its main rival, the soon-to-be-launched BMW iX3 (from $114,900), which is rear-wheel-drive-only and therefore less powerful.

Speaking of which, the EQC400 and EQC400 Sport have the same powertrain, which is a 300kW/760Nm dual-motor set-up with all-wheel drive. Their 80kWh battery provides 430km of range (ADR 81/02) and supports 11kW AC charging and 110kW DC fast charging.

Standard equipment in the EQC400 includes adaptive Multibeam LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and a power-operated tailgate.

Inside, push-button start, a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a power-adjustable steering column, power-adjustable front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, Artico artificial leather upholstery and ambient lighting feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist (with emergency functionality), adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring, park assist and surround-view cameras.

The EQC400 Sport adds a body kit (including bumpers and grille), gloss-black 21-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a sunroof, a head-up display, a Nappa leather-trimed sports steering wheel, front sports seats, extended Artico artificial leather upholstery and AMG floor mats.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC pricing before on-road costs